Bible Biography: Noah
SCRIPTURE: Genesis 5:29 - 9:29.
BIOGRAPHY
Noah, whose name means "to rest", was born approximately 3000 BC. He was the tenth
generation from Adam, being the son of Lamech in the line of Seth, the regenerate
line. He lived to be 950 years of age and was a contemporary with Abram for some
50 years near the turn of the second millennium BC (Genesis 9:29). We are told of
three sons of Noah: Ham Shem and Japheth (Genesis 6:10) who were all regenerate
as were their wives. Noah was righteous (Genesis 6:9), having the righteousness
that comes from faith (Hebrews 11:7) and close communion with God (Genesis 6:9).
Noah attempted to evangelize in his area but completely without success outside
his family (2 Peter 2:5). When Noah was 480 years old God informed him of the forthcoming
judgment of the flood which was to occur 120 years later (Genesis 6:3, 7:11). During
this period Noah constructed the Ark under God's direction and to His specification.
He preserved the animal kingdom, ensuring continuity of the human race and animals
on the earth. Subsequent to the flood, Noah prophesied the future of the human race
as descendants from his three sons (Genesis 9:25-27). One of his greatest characteristics
was obedience to God's will irrespective of human wisdom or ridicule.
SUMMARY
a) The Lord gives a warning to the world that judgment would come on the earth in
120 years (Genesis 6:3).
b) Noah was a believer and had a pure lineage from Adam, being not perverted by
the wickedness of the world current at that time (Genesis 6:8,9).
c) He had three sons: Ham, Shem and Japheth (Genesis 6:10).
d) God advises Noah of the Ark's dimensions (Genesis 6:14-16).
e) God makes a covenant with Noah through the provision of the Ark (Genesis 6:18).
f) Noah obeys God and builds the Ark (Genesis 6:22).
g) God instructs Noah regarding unclean and clean animals to be placed in the Ark
(Genesis 6:19-21, 7:2-5).
h) After embarkation God closes the door (Genesis 7:13-16).
i) The storm breaks (Genesis 7:11,12).
j) The judgment of the flood (Genesis 7:17-23).
k) The flood abates and dry land seen (Genesis 8:1-5).
l) The dove has three flights (Genesis 8:6-12).
m) Noah builds an altar as his first act. God is pleased, with the offering (Genesis
8:20-22).
n) Man given dominion by fear over the animal kingdom and allowed to eat meat (Genesis
9:1-4).
o) God gives the first rainbow to show His faithfulness and covenant with Noah (Genesis
9:10-17).
LIFE LESSONS
a) God always gives grace before judgment. This is demonstrated clearly in the book
of Revelation (Exodus 20:6).
b) God has a special relationship with believers (Romans 8:16).
c) God's instructions are the means of our eternal existence. Salvation (John 3:16)
by faith alone; Fellowship (1 John 1:9) by confession of sins, etc. We live by principles,
promises, doctrines applied to our lives by obedience to God's will (Psalm 119:1-3).
d) Ridicule by the world requires obedience rather than embarrassment (Romans 1:16;
Matthew 5:11,12).
e) God provides the obedient believer a way of escape. He protects us in our testing
(1 Corinthians 10:13).
f) God provides eternal security. He closed the door (John 10:27-30).
g) God judges the unbeliever or disobedient believer (Hebrews 3:16-19).
h) Noah shows an obedient attitude in sacrificing to God as soon as he disembarks
(Matthew 6:33).
i) God confirms His promise to His obedient servant with a perfect rainbow, one
of seven colors, God's perfect number (Hebrews 13:5).